gaining

Wonder

Disclaimer: Characters and Premise are borrowed from the show "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel".

As the foursome approached the castle Spike stared about himself with wonder. "This is truly enchanting," he commented in a soft, cultured voice. "Was that a real demon, with the violet flesh?"

"Yep," Willow answered. Cordelia and Wesley just ignored the blond.

"It's the Princess!" a human from the village exclaimed, pointing at Cordelia.

"You're a Princess?" Spike asked in an awe-filled tone.

"Here I am," Cordelia said smugly.

"Your Majesty!" A familiar voice exclaimed and the group turned to see Landoc jogging toward them. "It is good that you've returned, Majesty."

"How so?" Wesley asked.

"If her Majesty would rule with the Grooselog I believe we could swing the Rebel forces into our camp," Landoc explained.

"The Rebels?" Wesley asked. "I thought they'd disbanded after the humans here were freed."

Landoc sighed. "Many humans still see the Grooselog as the Priests' tool. When her Majesty left they fled to the surrounding countryside and began living as bandits. In all honestly they had cause to fear. Some do not care for this new equality. I'm ashamed to admit it, but much of my clan fights with the Reactionaries to restore the Priests to power."

"And yourself?" Wesley asked.

"The Grooselog is a fierce warrior and a very honorable man. I stand with him," Landoc declared. "Unfortunately we also stand in the middle of a war zone and both our opponents have shown little regard of honorable conduct."

Spike peered curiously at Landoc, "You're not human," he announced with a child-like delight.

"What bizarre creature is that?" Landoc asked.

"That's William. He's amnesiac-boy, just ignore him," Cordelia instructed dismissively. "We've been looking for Angel or Fred, have you seen them?"

"You won't stay?" Landoc asked, disappointed.

"Sorry," Cordelia replied. "This is just a quick errand."

"Still your presence will be a blessing," Landoc said, brightening. "The Grooselog will send out people to search for Angel. While you wait we will attempted to begin talks with the Rebels. They will come with you here to oversee the summit."

_____________________________________________________________________________

With a casual shrug Angel discarded his demon form.

"Hiya," Fred greeted him.

"We're going to need to relocate," Angel said handing her the carcass of a small animal he'd killed. "I saw several armed groups in the area."

"After first sunset?" Fred asked.

Angel nodded. "Which way should we go?"

Fred considered the question. "North, I think. It's wilds. I could never stay there long before, couldn't get enough to eat without villages to steal from, but with you helping we'll be good."

"I don't want to completely abandon civilization," Angel cautioned. "We haven't had time to work our way back, but Wesley, Cordelia and Gunn will come for us eventually. I don't want to make it too hard for them to find us."

"Why not?" Fred asked. "You're happy here, you weren't there."

"Here I've got complete control of the demon," Angel explained. "When it comes out, it come out completely… and I'm still the one in charge of what it does. It's a good feeling, but I've got a destiny in LA."

"You used to say the demon was worse here," Fred pointed out.

"I used to think that," Angel said. "Now I know better."

"Maybe you're wrong about your destiny too." Fred said. "Maybe it's here, with me."

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